Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey Peak Trek: Best Season and Time

The Pikey Peak trek is an extraordinary adventure in terms of climate as well. Within just 8 days, you will be able to see and feel all the climate of Nepal from the delightful mild weather of Kathmandu to the subtropical weather of the Sherpa villages.

Once you near the summit, you will be then submerged in the icy alpine weather of the Khumbu. Keeping this in view, the Pikey peak trek 8 days journey is therefore can be undertaken in any season but for the best experience of Pikey, you should take this trek in the Fall period.

Commencing from September, the high heat of summer and the high rain of monsoon recedes with the sun shining most of the time. By the time the October and November days arrive in Pikey region, the thermometer indicates between 23 and 26 degrees Celsius.

Once dense thick jungle begins to open up the clearest views of the high Himalayas. Spring on the other hand also offer equally beautiful time with heat increasing after winter up to 28 degrees Celsius.

The occurrence of rain becomes scarce, the rhododendrons and jungle flowers begin to bloom, and the winter chill begins to subside. When December approaches, the winter begins to spread its chill but not too unbearable.

The snow begins to gather around the Pikey base camp and on the track to the summit but perfectly manageable. Starting from June, the summer starts to bring in the intense heat, and along with it arrives the torrential rain. July and August days maximize the rainfall drowning the trail with the overcast sky often blocking the Himalayas from our view.

However, whenever there is an absence of rain, the day will be perfect for quickly going to Pikey Peak.

Pikey Peak Short Trek: Difficulty

Pikey Peak has been officially recognized as the trekking and not the climbing summit in Nepal. It means to summit this majestic Himalaya, there is no requirement for expert climbing abilities.

The entire journey itself in fact is a natural hiking adventure that will ultimately reach 4065 m altitude which is not much as compared to other icy Himalayas in Nepal.

Therefore, Pikey Peak is the most approachable summit in Nepal, ideal for those who are new to climbing. As for the trekking route, it is of level 2 moderate nature which does not involve any towering passes, hills, or very vertical ascents.

However, it is very important to acknowledge the summit as the Himalayan peak which throws some of the challenges of its own. For instance, you will have to tackle some steep stretches, and twisting forest trails, cross some highly hung bridges, and walk across the snow-laden path.

Each day trekking segment also makes you commit 5 to 6 hours of your time on foot. Additionally, remember it is a low tourist traffic trail which means you cannot expect the same level of comfort as in the typical EBC trek.

Thus, a mind frame to go on for a week in a basic natural setting with the physical ability to walk for moderate walking hours is a must for our Pikey Peak trek itinerary.

Eligible Participants for our Pikey Peak Trek 8 Days Adventure

Pikey peak trek is not only short in duration but also short in distance. Altogether, within 8 days, you will be walking only 94 km which allows you to complete the entire journey at a very relaxed pace with no burden of exhausting long sections.

The route to the summit has some steep inclinations but they are not overly strenuous. The altitude change each day will be below 1000 m so the journey remains accessible throughout for the different ability of each trekker.

Likewise, the night lodgings may be basic but enough for a warm refuge for the night. Plus, you will also have the nice company of our expert local guide and the porters who will make sure your every evening remains exciting and entertaining.

Thus, our Pikey Peak short trek is made for everyone: any age group, any gender, any fitness level, and any experience. Even if you have minor issues, you can conveniently go on our Pikey Peak trek.

However, we do suggest those with heart, and lung issues to first talk with their trusty doctors before taking part in this journey.

Altitude Sickness/Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS and Acclimatization

The overall adventure of the Pikey Peak trek 8 days journey will not take place in the very lofty elevations but will confine itself to the moderate elevations.

However, the transition to the new moderate height will occur very rapidly. For example, you will initiate your adventure from 1340 m elevation of Kathmandu and within the same day, you will end up at 2920 m elevation of Jhapre.

The following day, you will find yourself sleeping at 3640 m altitude of the base camp of the Pikey summit. Thus, although very short, the journey to the Pikey Peak is comparable to the typical EBC trek.

It means, you may be prone to AMS mild occurrence during the initial phase of the trek. The good thing is you will not remain in the high altitude for longer duration so AMS although felt will not be severe and will have time to subside on its own.

Slight hand and feet inflammation, fatigue, headache, and vertigo are some of the discomforts you may feel but with the adequate time of rest and ample of hydration, they will quickly disappear.

If you are very new to such altitude, then you can also use Diamox when you are staying n Kathmandu but only after your doctor’s suggestion. We urge all our participants to avoid rapid walking and to dep breathe whenever climbing any sharp sections.

Please do not be hesitant to consult our guide as he is well-versed in these situations and has the ability to make right decision for you.

Training and Physical Requirements for the Pikey Peak Trek Itinerary

Any level of mountain trekking expedition needs its each participant to be in top physical and mental shape. Pikey peak trek is also not an exception where you will traverse the not flat but mountain routes that constantly change with elevated and descending slopes.

Thus, your health, lungs, heart, legs, and in fact, the overall body muscles should be strong and flexible enough to endure such challenges. To keep them in right shape, please begin training yourself a month before you depart for Kathmandu.

Simple physical activities such as cycling, swimming, jogging, and running will prepare you to face the moderate hiking hours while stair climbing will train you to ascend and descend the inclined routes and ridges.

Not forgetting your leg muscles, you should augment them through planks, squats, pull and push-ups, and rope jumping. Also, take a moment to know about the terrain and the weather of the Pikey summit and the villages around the area.

This will mentally prepare you to accept the modest comfort of the region before you even take on the trip.

Secondary Approach to the Pikey Summit

Pikey Peak short trek is diverse in its approaching route as well. For a very different experience, you can also take on the alternating path that was once traced by Everest’s legendary pioneers, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

From Kathmandu, you can select to travel to Bhandar by road and then set off on foot towards Namkheli and Golla. Ultimately you will be standing on the high grounds of the Pikey Peak base camp from where after summiting the peak you can travel to Junbesi.

In this village, you can explore the serene Thupten Choling Gompa and continue your hike to Phaplu. From Phaplu, you can either fly or ride back to Kathmandu.

The duration of your trip will remain constant but you get to unravel some hidden unknown stone tombs, the majestic Chiwong Monastery, and the vibrant market life of Phaplu village.

Accommodation, Dining, and Transportation

When you are enjoying your time in Kathmandu, we have organized comfortable double rooms for you in charming three-star hotels located in the prime center of the city.

Each room will have a private bathroom with constantly running hot water and WiFi service for free. When you go on the Pikey peak 8 days journey, we have arranged your nights in some of the most delightful tea houses available on the route.

Please do keep in mind, the lodging setting can be quite humble with only the essentials needed for a night. You will have two singe beds, showers and electricity for charging but extra fees will be applicable for the charging and hot water amenities.

Please also understand that toilet and shower may have to be shared among other guests of the tea house. For the extra warmth during the night, you can have your sleeping bag.

In terms of dining services, breakfast in Kathmandu will be our responsibility while you will have to look after your dinners and lunches. Kathmandu boasts countless eateries from low to high budget which you can select based on your taste.

During the walking part, three meals a day (dinners, lunches, and breakfasts) will be offered at the tea houses where you can devour the Nepali taste in Dal Vat, pancakes, porridge, eggs, momos, noodles, and muesli.

Concerning your transport needs, we will manage all airport transfers (both arrival and departure) and provide a private vehicle, van, or coach for your Kathmandu exploration.

We will have private transport available for your travel to Dhap from Kathmandu and to Kathmandu from Shivalaya.

Obligatory Permits for the Pikey Peak Trek

Although we will be ascending the Pikey Peak summit, the climbing permit for this peak is not needed as it is trekking and not a climbing peak. However, for walking the route leading up to the summit, we need to have some compulsory permits which are:

• The Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit
• The Sagarmatha National Park Permit
• The Khumbu Local Area Permit

The  Gaurishankar Conservation Area and the Sagarmatha National Park Permits are conveniently available in Kathmandu tourism office at US Dollars 30 for each trekker.

As for the local area permit for Khumbu, it will be available in Dhap Village at US Dollars 16 or 17 for each trekker.

Our accompanying trekking guide will see to the acquisition of the necessary permits and all permit fees are integral to your travel expenses.

Travel Insurance

Please note that travel insurance is a compulsion for any type of short or long trekking expedition in Nepal. It has been made obligatory for all types of trekking trips in the mountains of Nepal and the permits will be given to trekkers only after the submission of the comprehensive travel insurance plan.

So whether you are just beginning your adventure or you have taken the high environment trips multiple times, travel insurance is mandatory for each one of you.

Pikey Peak is not that complicated route but it still will lead you amid the high towering mountains and Himalayas. Such terrains are famous for their sudden tantrums such as immediate weather changes or sudden terrain differences.

Even the experienced hikers despite of careful navigation can fall, slip or injure himself. If so, the medical cost on your own can be pretty pricey for your wallet.

Additionally, if by any chance you need urgent evacuation by helicopter, then the incurring expense will be quite unimaginable. Thus, when you go on to get the travel insurance policy for you, remember to include the coverage for transportation assistance by heli to the altitude of 4100 m.

And, if you add extra protection with luggage damage or theft protection, unseen trip delays, or cancellation with extended stays in Nepal, it will be more beneficial for your interest.